If you or your child is facing issues at school or college in Rhode Island, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Schools have strict codes of conduct, and even one mistake or misunderstanding can lead to serious consequences like suspension, expulsion, or a permanent mark on a student's record.
If you're dealing with discipline, discrimination, lack of special accommodations, or another issue at one of Rhode Island's higher education institutions, such as the University of Rhode Island, Community College of Rhode Island, Brown, or Rhode Island College, our Education Law Team can help. We can also assist families with students in grades K-12 throughout the state.
We understand how stressful this is, not just for students, but for families too. That's why we're here.
At the Lento Law Firm, our Education Law Team knows how to navigate these situations with care, skill, and strategy. We'll help you understand your rights, guide you through the disciplinary process, and fight for the best possible outcome, whether that means negotiating with the school, representing you in a hearing, or filing an appeal if things have already gone too far.
You don't have to face this alone. Call 888-535-3686 or reach out through our contact form today. We're ready to help you take back control and protect your future.
Rhode Island Disability Accommodations
If you or your child has a disability and is facing school discipline, don't assume the school is following the rules, because they may not be. Rhode Island schools, like those across the country, are legally required to follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). That means public schools (covered under Title II) and private schools (Title III) must provide reasonable accommodations for students with qualifying disabilities, whether they're in kindergarten or high school.
The ADA covers a wide range of accommodations, from wheelchair ramps and elevators to things like assistive technology, modified classroom tools, and sign language interpretation. When schools fail to provide these supports, students can struggle academically, socially, and emotionally. These obstacles can lead to unfair discipline for behavior tied directly to unmet needs.
At the University of Rhode Island, the Disability, Access, and Inclusion (DAI) office helps implement the ADA and works with students and faculty to provide needed accommodations. In Barrington Public Schools, it's the Pupil Personnel Office that oversees the district's special education services, 504 plans, social workers, and other services children with disabilities might be entitled to. Our attorneys are comfortable working with these offices and others just like them across the state, in order to represent your child's best interests and ensure they have equal opportunities and fair treatment at school.
Our Education Law Team can guide you through the process of requesting the support your child deserves. If things aren't being resolved at the school level, we can help you take the issue to the Rhode Island Department of Education's Office of Student, Community and Academic Supports, which handles disputes involving special education services. We're also familiar with how to work with ADA coordinators at private schools to make sure your child's rights are fully respected under the law.
Whether you're dealing with academic struggles, disciplinary problems, or a school that's simply not listening, we'll step in, advocate for your child, and help you find a path forward.
Rhode Island Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) & 504 Plans
If your child has a qualifying disability, they have important rights under both federal and Rhode Island law, including access to the special education services they need to thrive.
Schools are legally required to identify students who may have a learning or developmental difference, evaluate them, and provide appropriate support through special education services. This process—often called “child find”—puts the responsibility on the school, not on you, to make sure your child gets evaluated and supported. Federal laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are in place to ensure your child is not overlooked or left behind.
In Rhode Island, public schools must also adhere to the state's Regulation Governing the Education of Children with Disabilities, along with federal laws like the ADA, IDEA, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
We understand how difficult it can be when a school resists providing the services your child is entitled to, or when an existing IEP or 504 Plan isn't being followed. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team can stand by your side, help you navigate meetings and decisions, and advocate for what's best for your child.
Whether your child is just beginning the evaluation process or already has a plan in place, we can help you make sure their needs are met and their rights respected. From attending IEP meetings to supporting you in appeals or formal action when needed, we're ready to help you deal with your child's school.
Rhode Island School Discipline & Expulsions
If you or your child is facing school discipline in Rhode Island, know that you have rights, and we're here to help protect them. Students usually have to follow a code of conduct, or set of guidelines, established by their school, no matter what grade level they are.
For example, the North Kingstown School District has a student conduct policy that aims to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment and expects all students to respect others. Students who don't follow the rules in this conduct document can face penalties, such as detention, suspension, or dismissal.
Following the rules isn't just expected of K-12 learners; higher education institutions expect their students to behave as well. Brown University has a Code of Student Conduct that prohibits certain acts like bribery, alcohol violations, harassment, hazing, property damage, and more.
Whether it's an accusation of academic dishonesty, failing grades, or behavioral misconduct, like possession of alcohol or drugs, fighting, or violating school policies, we've seen it all, and we know how to respond. These situations can be stressful, especially when suspension or expulsion is on the table, but you don't have to navigate them alone. Our Education Law Team has helped students across the country challenge disciplinary charges and stay in school. We know the process, we know the pressure schools can apply, and we know how to push back when things aren't fair. At some schools, you can have an attorney represent you at a disciplinary hearing, and one of our attorneys will gladly do so if your school allows it. We can also help seek further review of your case at higher levels, taking it all the way to the Rhode Island Department of Education if necessary.
School Bullying & Harassment in Rhode Island
Bullying has become a big problem in schools across the country, including in Rhode Island schools. Although it tends to occur more at K-12 schools, it can also happen at the college level. In 2012, Rhode Island introduced a “Safe School Act” that prohibited bullying in K-12 schools statewide. It defines bullying, including cyberbullying, and states the responsibilities that school districts have in combating, reporting, and resolving bullying incidents.
East Greenwich Public Schools takes bullying, intimidation, and harassment seriously, adopting the state law against bullying and providing an online form for families to report bullying at each of the schools in the district. The district also has its own policy against bullying and intimidation.
An issue similar to bullying that tends to be a bigger problem at institutions of higher education is hazing. Most colleges and universities in the state have firm policies against hazing and won't hesitate to punish those accused of hazing. Rhode Island College doesn't allow hazing and encourages everyone to report it to the Student Engagement & Leadership Development office, which investigates all hazing reports.
The state of Rhode Island also makes hazing a crime and sets the penalty at a fine of up to $500 and up to one year in prison. The state law defines hazing, so educational institutions that implement their own hazing policies can use the same definition.
If school officials in Rhode Island aren't taking bullying, harassment, or hazing seriously, or worse, are ignoring your concerns, it's time to take action. You and your child have the right to a safe and supportive learning environment, and when that's not happening, we're here to help. We can push for the relief your family needs and, in serious cases, may also be able to pursue financial compensation for the harm caused.
If you or your child is the one accused of hazing, bullying, or harassment, we can also build you a strong defense. These are serious charges that can have long-term consequences, and you deserve experienced, thoughtful representation.
School Discrimination Cases in Rhode Island
Discrimination in schools, whether in K–12 or higher education, can have a serious and lasting impact on a student's education, confidence, and future. Federal laws like Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 are in place to protect students from discrimination based on sex, race, religion, disability, and more. The Rhode Island Board of Education also protects elementary and secondary school students from discrimination in education. These laws guarantee equal opportunities in educational programs and services, but they also prevent discriminatory treatment in grading, progression, graduation, and discipline.
Colleges and universities also have policies in place to protect students from discrimination in education programs, housing, and the use of facilities. The University of Rhode Island “prohibits all forms of illegal discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct in all University programs and activities.” The policy states which classes are protected and which programs and activities are relevant to the discrimination policy.
If you face discrimination at your school and don't receive the same treatment or access to programs as your classmates, you shouldn't just accept it. You should stand up for your right to participate equally in your school's educational programs. It can seem scary to take on the administration by yourself, however, especially if you're not totally clear on what your rights are. At the Lento Law Firm, our Education Law attorneys can help you advocate for yourself. We can point out discrimination or unfair treatment by your school or university and help you build a strong case to demand that your rights be respected.
Student Free Speech Rights in Rhode Island
You and your child have important civil rights in public schools, and if those rights are being ignored or violated, we're here to help you enforce them.
The Supreme Court has made it clear in cases like Tinker v. Des Moines, Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, and Morse v. Frederick that students don't lose their rights to free speech, expression, and association just because they're in school. Schools can set rules for conduct, dress, and behavior, but they can't use those rules to silence protected expression.
You also have Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights that limit how and when a school can search a student's belongings, locker, dorm room, or vehicle. Even on school grounds, students have a right to privacy. Unjustified searches or secret surveillance can cross the line, and we know how to hold schools accountable when they do.
Whether you're looking to protect your rights proactively or defend against a disciplinary action, we can help. In serious cases, we may also be able to pursue financial compensation under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for violations of constitutional rights.
The Lento Law Firm's Education Lawyers Can Defend You
When you're dealing with a school disciplinary or academic issue in Rhode Island, you need someone who knows how the system works, and not every attorney does. School proceedings aren't like court cases. The rules, procedures, and expectations are different, and hiring a lawyer unfamiliar with education law can do more harm than good. Don't risk your child's future on someone who doesn't know what they're doing.
We know the strategies that get results in Rhode Island schools, and we have the experience and credibility to work directly with school officials. We can step in quickly, open communication with the school, and often negotiate a resolution before things escalate further.
You only get one chance to handle this case the right way, so call our Education Law Team at 888-535-3686 today. You can also send us a message through our confidential contact form.
